Chondriteihin

Chondriteihin is a term encountered in Finnish-language meteorite literature referring to chondrite meteorites, the oldest and most common class of stony meteorites. In English, these are called chondrites. Chondriteihin are characterized by the presence of chondrules—millimeter-sized silicate spheres—that are embedded in a fine-grained matrix. They resemble primitive solar system material and have experienced little to no melting since their formation.

Chondrites are subdivided into several groups based on bulk composition and mineral chemistry. Ordinary chondrites (H, L, LL) are the most common, containing iron-nickel metal and silicates in varying proportions. Carbonaceous chondrites, including CI, CM, CO, CR, CV, and related groups, preserve volatile elements and often contain hydrated minerals and, in some cases, organic compounds. Enstatite chondrites (EL, EH) are highly reduced and chemically distinct from other groups. The classification reflects different oxidation states and condensation histories in the early solar nebula.

Chondrules are thought to have formed as molten or rapidly cooled droplets within the solar nebula before being incorporated into parent bodies. These parent bodies accreted around 4.56 billion years ago and underwent limited thermal processing, with carbonaceous varieties showing evidence of aqueous alteration. The relatively undisturbed nature of many chondrites enables the study of pristine solar system material.

Chondriteihin are essential for understanding the early solar system, planetary accretion, and the distribution of water and organic compounds in the primordial material. They are collected from falls and finds around the world and curated in museums and research laboratories for ongoing study.